Romance Scams Tips

Counterfeit United States Currency Tip Sheet

Manufacturing Counterfeit United States Currency

Simply walking into the bank and asking "Is this check good?" shows intent to cash. That is a point that get people really confused when they get in trouble. They say well I did not want to cash it, I just wanted to know if it was good or not. The way the law looks at it, is if the clerk said it was good the person would cash it, so asking the question in the first place shows intent. I know it is a fine line, but that is the way they see it.

Manufacturing counterfeit United States currency or altering genuine currency to increase its value is a violation of Title 18, Section 471 of the United States Code and is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, or 15 years imprisonment, or both.

Possession of counterfeit United States obligations with fraudulent intent is a violation of Title 18, Section 472 of the United States Code and is punishable by a fine of up to $15,000, or 15 years imprisonment, or both.

Anyone who manufactures a counterfeit U.S. coin in any denomination above five cents is subject to the same penalties as all other counterfeiters. Anyone who alters a genuine coin to increase its numismatic value is in violation of Title 18, Section 331 of the United States Code, which is
punishable by a fine of up to $2,000, or imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both.

Forging, altering, or trafficking in United States Government checks, bonds, or other obligations is a violation of Title 18, Section 510 of the United States Code and is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000, or ten years imprisonment, or both.

Printed reproductions, including photographs of paper currency, checks, bonds, postage stamps, revenue stamps, and securities of the United States and foreign governments (except under the conditions previously listed) are violations of Title 18, Section 474 of the United States Code. Violations are punishable by fines of up to $5,000, or 15 years imprisonment, or both.